Rachel Yeoh

is a former journalist who traded her on-the-go job for a life behind the desk. For the sake of work-life balance, she participates in Penang's performing arts scene after hours.

38 posts

Tan Sooi Beng: The Revivalist of Dying Cultural Arts in Penang

10 min read

Penang Monthly sits down to chat with her after she recently received the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA) Lifetime Achievement Award as recognition of her outstanding contributions to dance, music, theatre and musical theatre.

by Rachel Yeoh

The Painted Cave: Where Ancient Walls Demand Attention

6 min read

Trader’s Cave is a beauty—it made me feel like I just marched into the fortress city of Minas Tirith with giant columns lined at its mouth. After ambling and taking photos over the 200m stretch, we exited, only to be swallowed by the Great Cave.

by Rachel Yeoh

Tenun Pahang DiRaja: Heading for the Global Market

8 min read

Originating from a small village, Tenun Pahang was worn by royalty, nobles or the chief of state. It later became the gift of choice for guests of the palace, whether they were locals or from abroad.

by Rachel Yeoh

Postcards and Photos of Penang's Hills

3 min read

*Images from Marcus Langdon Collection. TWO YEARS AFTER setting foot on Penang Island in 1786, Francis Light set his sights…

by Rachel Yeoh

ElShaddai Centre: Working against the Tide in Aid of Desperate Refugees

6 min read

*Names changed to protect identities. I CANNOT IMAGINE the shock felt by Ling* when she arrived back at her staff…

by Rachel Yeoh

Spotlight on Silambam: An Ancient Indian Martial Art

5 min read

After Malaya’s independence, Silambam flourished; classes were often held in community centres, temples or open-air venues. What many may not know is that Silambam in Malaysia can be classified into two types: sports Silambam and tradition Silambam.

by Rachel Yeoh & Priyanka Bansal

The Andaman: Keeping Fingers Crossed for Penang's New Island

6 min read

WE’VE BEEN WAITING for the emergence of this manmade island off the northeastern coast of Penang Island for years.…

by Rachel Yeoh

A Japanese Love Affair with Penang

6 min read

THE FUMAKILLA TAUKEH is the owner of this house,” my mother quipped as my father snailed the car past Villa…

by Rachel Yeoh

Penang Food Flourishing in Our Twin City Adelaide

5 min read

PENANG PEOPLE ARE very proud of their food. As I sat in one of the board rooms awaiting the Lord…

by Rachel Yeoh

PBAPP Takes on the Difficult Task of Securing Water for the Future

10 min read

RECENT WATER SUPPLY disruptions in Penang have left locals shaken, and questions about water security have become the talk of…

by Rachel Yeoh

Owning the Profound Art of Batik Making

5 min read

I HAVE A strong affinity to textiles—probably because when I was a wee girl, I would often wan -…

by Rachel Yeoh

Write for the Curious Child, Read to the Inquisitive Mind

5 min read

OUR BELIEF SYSTEM is formed by what we are taught and our lived experiences, which then influence our decisions and perceptions. What stands in between with one...

by Rachel Yeoh